By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The race toward the 2027 presidential election appears to be gathering momentum as renowned political singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara has called on Kannywood actors and actresses to openly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term, a development political analysts describe as an early attempt to consolidate the President’s support base in Northern Nigeria.
Rarara, one of the APC’s most recognisable campaign musicians, urged members of the Hausa film industry to unite behind Tinubu, arguing that Kannywood’s influence extends far beyond entertainment and can shape political awareness among millions of Nigerians.
Political analysts say the appeal reflects a growing recognition that celebrities have become strategic assets in modern electioneering, particularly in the North where Kannywood commands a loyal audience across television, cinema and digital platforms.
According to analysts, if a significant number of Kannywood personalities respond positively, the move could provide the Tinubu camp with a powerful grassroots communication network capable of reaching young voters and rural communities long before formal campaigns begin.
However, observers also point out that the industry remains politically diverse. While some actors have historically aligned themselves with the APC, others have maintained relationships with opposition parties or chosen to remain non-partisan, making Rarara’s appeal a potential test of Tinubu’s influence within the entertainment sector.
The call is expected to ignite debate across political and entertainment circles, with many watching closely to see whether leading Kannywood stars will publicly endorse the President or distance themselves from partisan politics.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, analysts believe Rarara’s latest intervention could mark the beginning of a broader campaign to recruit influential cultural figures into the battle for votes, underscoring the increasingly decisive role of entertainment personalities in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
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